The Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Ministry of Police Affairs have strengthened their partnership to support the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in enhancing policing in Nigeria, with a focus on efficiency, accountability and citizen-centric approaches.
The commitment was made when Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya, the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police Affairs, on behalf of Minister Ibrahim Gaidam, led a delegation of Directors and Heads of relevant Departments and Divisions in the Ministry on a courtesy visit to the PSC on Wednesday.
They were received by the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu; Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (retired Justice of the Supreme Court); Commissioner representing the Judiciary, DIG Taiwo Lakanu; Commissioner representing the Police, and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
According to a statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Pess and Public Relations at the PSC, the full complement of the Commission’s management staff was also present at the meeting.
Speaking on the reinforced collaboration, DIG Argungu commended the initiative, noting that it would open better and more rewarding channels of communication between the two government agencies.
He explained that there must be robust collaboration between police oversight agencies for effective and efficient policing.
The PSC boss stated that the Commission has been working closely with the Ministry and will continue to do so in the interest of national security.
“There must be mutual respect. Nobody can do it alone, regular consultation is imperative and this is a good beginning,” he added.
On his part, Dr. Ogbonnaya noted that the visit underscores the importance the Ministry attaches to the crucial work of the Commission.
He affirmed that he led the delegation to the Commission to foster a stronger working relationship and open channels of communication between the two government agencies.
“We recognise that our mandates are intrinsically linked, and effective collaboration is paramount to achieving our shared goals within the security architecture of Nigeria,” he remarked.
The Permanent Secretary expressed the Ministry’s gratitude to the Commission for the significant role it plays in overseeing the recruitment, promotion, discipline, and overall welfare of members of the NPF.
Ogbonnaya continued: “Your independence and commitment to upholding standards of professionalism and integrity are vital to building public trust and ensuring the effectiveness of our police ”
He further observed that there are key areas where closer collaboration between the Ministry and the Commission could yield significant benefits.
